Ripp,

To purchase any pistol in Aust. you need to be a member of a Pistol Club for at least 6 months, attend a number of shoots (how many I can not remember). Then fill out a a fair bit of paper work, apply for and get your pistol licence, then you can apply to by a hand gun. Least ways that's what I had to do back in the early 90's. In some place your first handgun had to be a 22 unless you already carried a handgun for work.

It will vary a little from state to state.

Forgot to add. Be interviewed by the local Police Sargent after your application for the licence went in.